217 Today: Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021

By Brian Moline and Farrah Anderson
Dec 2, 2021

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021

Today’s headlines:

Governor JB Pritzker Wednesday announced $94 million dollars will be used to fund 96 airport projects statewide, many of which won’t be eligible for federal infrastructure money.
The state’s economy continues to grow at a good pace, according to the monthly Flash Index from the University of Illinois.
The dancers of the Champaign Urbana Ballet are busy preparing for the company’s annual performance of The Nutcracker ballet after last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why some libraries are starting to hire social workers to better serve their communities.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Jim Meadows, Olivia Vamos and Darian Benson

WILL and the Illinois Newsroom are committed to bringing you in-depth, relevant coverage that keeps you informed and engages you with our community and state. Join with thousands of others to keep this important public media-based resource available to all. Donate today >>

More Stories From Illinois Public Media

Deputy who killed Sonya Massey joined Sangamon County Sheriff after past employers questioned his integrity and conduct

Sean Grayson, the former sheriff’s deputy facing murder charges for killing Sonya Massey in Sangamon County, Illinois, left a previous agency after complaints were filed

Autopsy findings confirm Sonya Massey, Black woman shot by deputy, died from gunshot wound to head

The fired sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, who is white, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct charges in Massey’s killing. He was fired last week by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.

217 Today: A dialogue on maternal healthcare in the Black community

Friday, July 26, 2024 Today’s headlines: A Champaign group is teaching families how to cope with their loved ones’ sentences and what to do when they

Democratic convention planners are working to pull off a dramatic Biden-Harris role reversal

ith President Joe Biden now out of the race and Vice President Kamala Harris pursuing the party’s nomination, a dramatic role reversal for the two is likely to play out before a nationally televised audience when delegates gather in Chicago next month. Harris is banking on introducing her vice presidential pick to the country and standing at center stage.

217 Today: Deputy accused of killing Sonya Massey in Springfield was discharged from Army for serious misconduct

Thursday, July 25, 2024 Today’s headlines: American Water has proposed a general rate increase that would raise residential bills by about $24 a month. Illinois has